2026-27 Vancouver Canucks Top Prospects

** Different sites can use different criteria for determining who is still a prospect. Also, for Dobber Prospect lists they take a fantasy hockey approach – prospects whose current trajectory projects them making the most positive fantasy impact at the time that they reach the NHL.

Caleb Malhotra – Malhotra is a smart, well-rounded center who combines strong hockey sense with an advanced two-way game. Vancouver selected him third overall in the 2026 NHL Draft after he produced 29 goals and 84 points in 67 games for Brantford, followed by 26 points in 15 playoff games. Malhotra’s strengths are his vision, playmaking, anticipation, puck protection and defensive awareness.

Braeden Cootes – Cootes combines strong skating, relentless effort, and excellent hockey sense, allowing him to drive play despite not possessing one truly elite physical tool. What scouts love most is his complete game. He can create offense, kill penalties, win key faceoffs, and provide leadership both on and off the ice. His offensive upside continues to rise as his puck skills and confidence develop.

Jonathan Lekkerimaki – He can score from distance, off the rush, or on the power play, and his release is quick enough to beat goaltenders before they are fully set. Over the last two seasons, his overall game has matured significantly. His skating has improved, he has become more engaged away from the puck, and his playmaking ability has developed alongside his goal-scoring.

Adam Novotny – Novotný is a skilled, competitive forward with an intriguing combination of skating, shooting and offensive instincts. Selected 24th overall by Vancouver in 2026, he scored 34 goals and 65 points in 58 games during his first OHL season with Peterborough. Novotný possesses a quick, powerful release, good puck control and the willingness to attack the middle of the ice rather than remaining on the perimeter. His motor and puck pursuit are also strengths, and Vancouver was impressed by his compete level at development camp.

Tom Willander – Willander is an outstanding skater who moves effortlessly in all directions and uses his mobility to impact both offense and defense. He transitions the puck extremely well, makes intelligent breakout passes, and consistently closes gaps against attacking forwards. What separates him from many offensive-minded defensemen is his defensive reliability. He rarely takes unnecessary risks and already plays a mature, structured game.

Alexei Medvedev – Medvedev moves extremely well in the crease for a goalie of his stature and has demonstrated impressive puck-tracking ability. What stands out most is his calm demeanor; he rarely appears rattled and consistently maintains structure even when facing heavy pressure.

2026 Vancouver Canucks Draft Picks

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